- COP Christian Yohunu replaces Dr. Dampare as IGP
- A suit filed, seeks to block security head removals until May 2025
- Yohunu leads amid ongoing police reforms
President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of his role as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed his deputy, Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu, to take over the position.
This change was announced in a press release issued by the presidency on Thursday, March 13, and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The statement noted that the appointment was made in accordance with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution and after consulting with the Council of State. COP Yohunu is expected to be sworn in on Friday, March 14.
This leadership change represents a key shift in the Ghana Police Service, as the new administration moves to restructure essential security institutions. Yohunu, a seasoned officer with forty years of experience in law enforcement, takes on the role at a critical time when the police service is undergoing significant reforms.
The press statement expressed the government’s confidence in Yohunu’s leadership, emphasizing that he would enhance professionalism and security within the country.
This appointment comes shortly after Imani Ghana and security expert Professor Kwesi Aning filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent the President from removing the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies until a related case is resolved in May 2025.
The plaintiffs argue that removing these security heads before the court delivers its ruling would lead to unfair treatment. They have asked the court to issue an interlocutory injunction preventing the President and relevant councils from removing, terminating, or interfering with the positions of various security heads, including the IGP, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Comptroller of the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Director-General of the National Fire Service.
The plaintiffs argue that their case raises significant constitutional issues, with the balance of convenience strongly favoring their application.
